Faze Action: The Pioneers of UK Disco and House

Faze Action are the British electronic music production duo of brothers Simon and Robin Lee, celebrated for revitalizing classic disco and house sounds with a live, orchestral flair. Hailing from London, their career, spanning over two decades, is defined by critically acclaimed albums and a profound influence on the global dance music scene, with their work consistently championed by DJs and tastemakers.

Early career

Formed in 1995, the brothers emerged from London's fertile clubland, drawing inspiration from the sounds of classic disco, boogie, and early house. Their initial foray into music was marked by a do-it-yourself ethos, crafting tracks in their home studio that paid homage to the lush string arrangements and warm basslines of 1970s dance floors.

Their early demos caught the attention of the influential Nuphonic label, which released their debut single "Original Disco Motion" in 1996. This track immediately established their signature sound: a sophisticated blend of live instrumentation and electronic production that felt both nostalgic and utterly fresh.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived with their self-titled debut album, Faze Action, released on Nuphonic in 1998. The album was a critical success, praised for its authentic orchestral disco sound and meticulous production. It solidified their reputation as leaders of the burgeoning disco revival movement, earning heavy rotation in clubs worldwide and setting a high bar for live-sounding electronic music.

Key tracks

In The Trees — This 1998 single, with its soaring strings and hypnotic groove, became an instant classic and remains their most recognizable anthem.

Moving Cities — A driving, piano-heavy house cut from their debut album that showcased their ability to craft peak-time dance floor energy.

Get Up — A later single from 2015 that exemplifies their enduring formula, combining a powerful four-on-the-floor beat with vibrant brass and soulful vocals.

I Wanna Dancer — A prime example of their collaborative work, featuring vocals from Kathy Diamond and highlighting their funk-infused, boogie-inspired side.

Following their debut, the brothers launched their own label, Faze Action Records, in 2000, granting them full creative control. They have since released several more studio albums, including Broad Souls and Body of One, which further explored world music influences and live band dynamics. Their prolific remix work for artists like Mistura Pura and Shawn Lee also expanded their reach, consistently applying their distinctive organic sound to others' music.

Faze Action's music is often mentioned alongside other UK acts who blend electronic production with live musicianship. Discover similar sounds with The Herbaliser, who also fuse jazz and funk with breakbeats. The sophisticated disco-house of Joey Negro shares a deep reverence for dance music history. For more orchestral dance explorations, try The Phantom's Revenge. The live-band disco vibe is also strong with Hot Chip, though with a more pop-oriented approach.

Faze Action's catalog is a staple on a variety of radio formats, from specialist disco and house shows on independent music radio stations to eclectic online radio streams that champion underground dance music. Their timeless productions ensure they are regularly featured in sets and programs dedicated to quality electronic music.

The vibrant disco and house productions of Faze Action can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their classic tracks and new releases by tuning into the electronic and dance stations available on onairium.com.